[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 16, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H1275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO VETERANS

  (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the Republican 
solution to add $1.9 billion to the administration's proposal to save 
and improve the health care of our Nation's veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, few things are more sacred and solemn than the promises 
we have made to our Nation's veterans because we would not enjoy the 
peace, the prosperity and the freedoms we have today without their 
sacrifices. Unfortunately, though, that promise does not mean much to 
some because they would like to pass a budget that literally is a slap 
in the face to every veteran we have.
  Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago we elevated the VA to a Cabinet level 
department for a very good reason. We wanted the VA to have the 
President's ear. But is the President listening?
  We need to protect the future of VA health care, we need to protect 
the future of our veterans. Unfortunately, however, the 
administration's proposed budget fails to do this.
  I encourage all Members to support our Nation's veterans, back the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs' budget recommendation and keep the 
promises we have made to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to 
this country.

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